The dealers talk about tune ups and re-jetting and all kinds of stuff. In reality, all they really do is an oil change as far as I know. Maybe check the tire pressure and coolant level. And, they charge big time for this service. How much re-jetting is required on an EFI engine? You can do an oil change much cheaper. I still don't know how to change the blinker light fluid.

You should at least change the oil, and check for anything loose. If you are able to do the work yourself, buy the shop manual, do the services yourself, keep track of everything you do, for any warrenty issues that might come up.

Screw it! Lets Ride
'08' 900 Custom

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how important is the 600 mile service on a new bike? Does it actually matter or is it just a way for the dealer to get more money out of me?

it is critical to change the oil! the sooner the better... also make sure the oil screen is clean, i've found some metal in there at 3k miles... this is the first oil the engine used, so it has some 'debris' -that you need to take out.

so either take it to the dealer or do it yourself, just get that first round of oil changed... i'm sure some ppl will reply giving you more details why the 600miles service is important.

Do it yourself and keep track of everything for the warranty. My 1st oil change was at 200 miles to clean out any debris left behind by the factory. Took pictures of some sealant that got trapped in the screen.

Unless something major were to happen in the first year, once i leave the lot of the dealer, that's the last time they see my vehicle... bike or car.

Changing the oil and filters aren't really a difficult process and it's a whole lot cheaper to do it yourself. My suggestion is to get a repair manual and do whatever you can. If you're not comfortable doing a particular repair or checkup, go to a reputable mechanic. The only thing i use the dealer for is parts that i can't get anywhere else.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!'09 900 Custom SE on theDarkside"Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien

When I rolled up 600, I changed the oil/filter and called the dealer for a service appointment. He said and I quote "if you have changed the oil and filter you are good to go as all we do is check the tire pressure, coolant level and change the oil and filter". So, if you don't have any issues, just do the oil/filter yourself.

The blinker fluid doesn't need to be changed until you change the throttle cable coolant at 12000 parsecs. So you should be able to defer these items for the next owner, or more probably some other subsequent owner.